Local Child Death Trends (Press Release)

The Taylor County Child Fatality Review Team has identified a trend in preventable child deaths.

From the beginning of 2008 through the end of 2010 there were 9 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) in Taylor County. The sleep position and/or sleep environment was a factor in 7 of these 9 deaths.

The safest place for a baby to sleep is in the same room with a parent or caregiver but on a separate sleep surface, such as a safety-approved crib or bassinet. The State Child Fatality Review Team (SCFRT) has recently released a position statement on the topic of Safe Sleep for Infants. The recommendations are as follows:

SLEEP POSITION
It is recommended that:
• Babies are placed on their backs to sleep (for naps and at night.)
• Babies are given time on the tummy while awake and supervised by a responsible older teen or adult.
• Parents tell caregivers, relatives, friends and babysitters that their baby will be placed on the back to sleep.
• All healthcare providers counsel parents on safe sleep environments and practices.

SLEEP ENVIRONMENT
It is recommended that:
• Babies are placed to sleep in a safety-approved crib or bassinet with a firm mattress, using a well-fitting sheet made for the mattress.
• Parents maintain the home and the baby’s sleep area free of cigarette smoke.
• Babies are never placed to sleep on soft mattresses or other soft surfaces such as cushions, sofas, chairs, waterbeds, or beds up against the wall or with loose headboards.
• In and around baby’s sleep environment should be free of unsafe items, such as pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, other soft objects, bumper pads, plastic sheets, plastic bags, strings, cords or ropes.

These recommendations are made to help reduce the number of preventable child deaths. If you would like more information on this topic go to www.cdc.gov/SIDS/index.htm. If you would like to help purchase safety- approved cribs or bassinets for families in need please contact Deanna Lopez, Community Partners Coordinator, at 325-691-8148.